In an old and dilapidated distillery from 1897 in Ödåkra just outside Helsingborg, Sweden, the artist Andréas Wargenbrant has during the past few years been creating a unique meeting place that attracts visitors from near and far. Andréas and his colleague Martina Haase bought the old industrial premises of 20,000 square meters in 2016, and they have since then turned it into a venue for shops, art galleries, auction companies, paddle courts, indoor shooting ranges and much more.
The area has become very popular and Andréas spends a lot of time creating rooms that appeal to all senses, not just the visual one. Upon contact with the Swedish sound expert Audio Pro, the idea was born to also incorporate music as part of the experience in this environment. Andréas Wargenbrant explains; "When the speakers were installed indoors and outdoors, it felt like the whole place got a very specific feel to it.”
Jens Henriksen, CCO at Audio Pro, confirms that sound do in fact have a great impact on the experience of all types of environments. “We work with sound and speakers for several different types of spaces. Since 1978, we have been designing speakers for the home, and since 2012 we have also been working with speakers for commercial areas. We design wireless systems for shops, restaurants, hotels and all other types of activities that need to create an environment that is inviting to the visitor. And the effect it has on the visitor is far greater than many business developers have yet understood, even if this development is going in the right direction. That is why we are very pleased that Andréas is one step ahead of them in this regard.”
To an artist, impressions and experiences are key in everything that Andréas creates. “I want all senses to have an experience at Spritfabriken; the scent from freshly baked bread from Stenugnsbageriet, garlic-scented pasta from Papà Piada, the scents of freshly picked flowers from our florist, the intoxication you get from our beer maker, and the music that makes you feel like you are never alone. And all the beauty you see when you stroll around the fashion and design stores. All senses must be touched.” Andreas explaines.
Spritan in Ödåkra has wireless speakers both indoors and outdoors. Jens Henriksen explains: “In our business segment, we have speakers that are designed for both indoor and outdoor use, and in addition they are wireless, which means that you can easily reposition them when needed, when the room's design or interior changes. You simply click the speakers into place in existing electrical rails in the ceiling. This provides a wider flexibility than with other systems where you make a permanent installation of the speakers.” In Andréas Wargenbrant's art gallery you will find four Drumfire, from Audio Pro's consumer segment. Individually, the speakers deliver a rather great sound, and as a group, they give the art gallery a massive sound stage. Andréas sums up the impact of these speakers like this; “Drumfire – I can tell you one thing; Rock on! Unbelievable sound!”